Plaids have been in use for thousands of years and are particularly associated with Scotland and her culture, where the pattern is known as Tartan.

Eventually, some patterns gained such popularity in certain areas of Scotland that they became known by that region’s name. Other Tartans were named for the individuals who commissioned them.

With J & O Fabrics you can now enjoy the look of plaid without commissioning a pattern or belonging to a Scottish clan.

The question remains, though, what can you do with our plaids? Being that they are available in a variety of colors, there is a plaid to suit everyone. These can be used to make garments such as “lumberjack” shirts, pants, vests and so on.

However, our plaids truly come into their own when used to upholster furniture, such as can be found in a bedroom, den, family room or play room. These plaids can also be used for blankets, draperies and pillows.

With J & O you can upholster with the finest plaids this side of the Atlantic.

Maintaining Your Plaid Upholstery Fabrics

Plaid upholstery fabrics can be kept looking new for years with vacuuming or light brushing on a weekly basis. These measures guard against the accumulation dust and soil and to prevent dirt from becoming embedded between the fibers. Also remember to rotate and turn your cushions weekly to prevent uneven wear. This will also balance the fabric's exposure to sunlight.

Do not place newspapers directly on your plaid upholstery fabric because the ink could permanently stain the fabric. Dyes, corrosives, acids, paints, inks, nail polish and chemical-based removers should not be used in the vicinity of your upholstered furniture.

Upholstered furniture should be kept out of direct sunlight to protect it from fading.

Cleaning Your Plaid Upholstery Fabric

When cleaning your plaid upholstery fabric never remove the cushion covers for separate dry cleaning or washing. Doing so can destroy the backing and shrink or otherwise damage the fabric. The zipper is to make it easy to stuff the cushion filling into the fabric cover — not to remove it.

Gently blot up stains as quickly as possible with a clean, white towel being careful not to rub the fabric. If the substance spilled is thick (i.e. mud, candle wax, etc.), allow time for it to dry before prying it off and brushing away the residue. Prompt attention to stains increases success in removing them. Even stain-resistant finishes such as scotch-guard offer only temporary protection. Periodic cleaning by professional upholstery cleaners will maximize the lifespan of your plaid upholstery fabrics.

Most of our plaid upholstery fabrics can be spot cleaned with a mild solvent or dry cleaning product. Follow the usage direction for such products and make sure that the area you are cleaning in is well ventilated. Avoid using products that contain the highly toxic ingredient carbon tetrachloride. An upholstery shampoo or the foam from a mild detergent can also be employed on upholstery fabrics with this code. Always test the cleaning product on an inconspicuous area before proceeding. If the upholstery fabric requires more extensive cleaning, we recommend calling in professional upholstery cleaners.

What You Should Know about Stain Repellants

The stain repellants many plaid upholstery fabrics are treated with form protective barriers around the fibers. Therefore, most liquid spills will bead up on the surface of the fabric for easy blotting before it sets in to stain the fabric. However, an upholstery fabric's stain repellant properties do not make it waterproof. Keep in mind that the effectiveness of a stain repellant will deteriorate with the wear and abrasion caused by normal use.

Storing Your Plaid Upholstery Fabrics

If you are going to store your plaid upholstery fabrics for any period of time, be sure to have them properly laundered first to prevent dust, soil and stains from attracting critters. Furthermore, avoid storing your plaid upholstery fabrics in attics, basements and other places that tend to be vulnerable to mold, mildew and insects and other threats. The best storage location is a cool, dry room. If using a closet, make sure there is sufficient air circulation to prevent mold growth. Always store your fabrics out of direct sunlight.

Your plaid upholstery fabrics can be stored in bags of linen, cotton or muslin. Do not use plastic bags, cedar chests or cardboard boxes for storage. Fumes from polyurethane foam, cedar closets and acids in unvarnished wood and cardboard can damage your upholstery fabrics. Acid free tissue paper can also be employed in the storage of plaid upholstery fabrics.

If possible, store your plaid upholstery fabrics on a roll rather than folding them to prevent difficult creases from forming. If folding the fabric is your only option, try to air the fabric out and refold it regularly to prevent permanent creasing.

* The above information is intended to aid our customers in their fabric projects. These suggestions are based on manufacturer's recommendations and customer insights. The above statements are not intended to be understood as unequivocal or applicable to every circumstance. Therefore, J&O Fabrics is not responsible for the results of the implementation of these cleaning methods.